High Chief Barr. Emeka Nwala, President of the African Parliamentary Aides Association and Chairman of the National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum, has condemned the Federal Road Safety Corps for obstructing major roads during rush hour in the name of enforcement.
Nwala described the practice as “counterproductive and hazardous,” particularly along key routes into Abuja where congestion is already severe. He said the actions are endangering motorists instead of protecting them.
Officials meant to safeguard highways have instead become a source of disorder, he argued. Sudden roadblocks and aggressive pursuit of drivers often trigger panic, with some motorists making reckless moves to escape arrest that lead to avoidable crashes. 
The FRSC’s mandate, he stressed, is education, traffic management, and regulation enforcement, not creating artificial bottlenecks or high-speed chases on crowded roads.
He pointed out a misplaced focus in current operations. While marshals chase minor offenders, they often ignore more serious violations like vehicle overloading and speeding that pose greater threats to public safety.
The irony, Nwala noted, is that dangerous practices continue to flourish while officers prioritize less critical infractions. This reflects both a lapse in duty and poor operational priorities.
Response times to accidents are another concern. Despite statutory patrol duties, FRSC personnel frequently arrive late at crash scenes, leaving victims and bystanders waiting when prompt action could save lives.
Nwala also raised the issue of jurisdictional overlap. Some enforcement tactics mirror police responsibilities, and he warned that such overreach weakens efficiency and erodes public trust in security institutions.
He cautioned that continued negligence could prompt legislative action, including a possible review of the Corps’ structure or even a merger with the police if lapses remain unaddressed.
Concluding, Nwala urged the Corps Marshal to adopt a more professional, technology-driven approach that emphasizes cooperation over intimidation. He called on both authorities and motorists to uphold clearly defined mandates and traffic regulations for the safety and convenience of all Nigerians.
